International legal experts, former government officials and human rights activists gathered in Geneva on September 28, 2026, to raise concerns about politically motivated executions and systematic repression in Iran. The International Human Rights Conference in Geneva focused on protecting political prisoners, defending women’s rights, establishing legal accountability for human rights violations and encouraging stronger international action.
The conference also addressed the continuing use of the death penalty, restrictions on fundamental freedoms and the lack of accountability for past crimes. At the same time, a public vigil and a powerful photo exhibition took place at Place des Nations, outside the United Nations building. These activities brought additional attention to the situation of political prisoners and the urgent need to protect human rights in Iran.
International Attention on the Human Rights Situation in Iran
The international human rights conference was organised as a side event during the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council. It brought together individuals from politics, the legal profession and human rights organisations to discuss the growing challenges facing Iranian society.
Participants examined the difficult situation of political prisoners, the increasing use of the death penalty and restrictions on basic freedoms. Particular concern was raised about people arrested in connection with the protest movement in January 2026. According to the issues discussed at the conference, women, young people, students and human rights activists face serious risks of detention, persecution and other forms of repression.
Another major concern was the continuing impunity surrounding serious human rights violations. Speakers referred to the mass executions of political prisoners in 1988 and stressed that the failure to investigate and prosecute those responsible has contributed to an environment in which further abuses can occur.
The discussions also covered the growing number of executions, the lack of judicial independence, restrictions on women and wider social and environmental challenges affecting the Iranian population.
Key Contributions from International Speakers
Dr. Henrik Hermansson: Protecting Independent Civil Society in Iran
Dr. Henrik Hermansson, a Swedish human rights expert, opened and moderated the conference. His contribution focused on the growing restrictions facing independent civil society in Iran and the risks encountered by people who communicate with international organisations.
He warned that contact with foreign media, non-governmental organisations and United Nations institutions could expose people in Iran to serious legal consequences. According to his remarks, certain contacts with international organisations may even require prior approval from Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence.
These restrictions affect more than political activists. Journalists, lawyers, trade union representatives, medical professionals and individuals documenting human rights violations may also face pressure and persecution.
Hermansson emphasised that access to independent information is essential for international human rights protection. When people are too afraid to report mistreatment, arrests or death sentences, international monitoring mechanisms also face greater difficulties in obtaining reliable information.
His central message was that the international community must strengthen protections for Iranian civil society and defend people’s ability to share independent information without fear of retaliation.
Christina Blacklaws: Challenging Unfair Trials and Political Executions
Christina Blacklaws, former President of the Law Society of England and Wales and a member of the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute, focused on death sentences against political prisoners and serious weaknesses in judicial procedures.
She explained how broadly defined criminal charges, including Moharebeh (enmity against God), Baghi (armed rebellion) and Efsad fel-arz (corruption on earth), can be used to prosecute political opponents. She also referred to reports of forced confessions, torture and restrictions on defendants’ access to independent legal representation.
Blacklaws highlighted the cases of six political prisoners who were executed between March 30 and April 4, 2026, following their transfer from Ghezel Hesar Prison. One of them was electrical engineer Pouya Ghobadi. Their cases raised serious concerns about due process, transparency and the treatment of political prisoners.
She also discussed the case of young political prisoner Arghavan Fallahi, who was sentenced to death on charges of rebellion. Blacklaws raised concerns about the evidence against her and the reported refusal to allow her to freely choose legal representation.
Another important part of her contribution focused on the “No Death Penalty Tuesdays” campaign. She praised political prisoners who continue to oppose executions through regular hunger strikes, protests and messages sent from inside prisons.
Blacklaws called for stronger international human rights resolutions, independent investigations into politically motivated death sentences and measures to address impunity for serious abuses.
Rémy Pagani: Addressing Political Repression and Social Inequality
Rémy Pagani, former Mayor of Geneva and former member of the Geneva city government, discussed the relationship between Iran’s economic and social crisis and increasing state repression.
He described the authorities’ approach as a form of “preventive repression”, referring to actions taken to suppress public dissatisfaction before it develops into larger protest movements.
Pagani explained that broadly defined legal accusations are used against journalists, students, human rights activists and members of minority communities. He also noted that even individuals working within state security institutions may face pressure when they publicly raise concerns about economic difficulties.
The former Geneva mayor called for practical action from international institutions. This included investigations by UN Special Rapporteurs into arbitrary arrests, forced confessions and the persecution of political opponents.
He also supported targeted sanctions against individuals responsible for serious human rights violations and the application of universal jurisdiction. Under this legal principle, national courts may, under certain conditions, prosecute individuals accused of particularly serious international crimes even when those crimes were committed outside their own country.
Pagani’s central message was that democratic governments and international institutions must move beyond simply observing and condemning abuses. Concrete political and legal measures are necessary to protect victims and hold those responsible accountable.
Ola Elvestuen: Connecting Environmental Protection with Human Rights
Ola Elvestuen, former Norwegian Minister of Climate and Environment and former member of the Norwegian Parliament, introduced an important environmental dimension to the discussion.
He explained that people in Iran face not only political persecution but also increasingly serious environmental and economic challenges.
His contribution highlighted problems including declining groundwater reserves, land subsidence, air pollution, desertification, energy shortages and deteriorating agricultural conditions. He argued that these problems cannot be explained only by natural changes. Political decisions and decades of mismanagement have also contributed to the situation.
Elvestuen stressed that environmental protection is closely connected to fundamental human rights. Access to clean water, breathable air and safe living conditions is essential to people’s health, dignity and security.
He also emphasised that sustainable improvements require political participation, transparent institutions and the freedom to question government decisions. Without public accountability and meaningful participation, environmental and economic problems become even more difficult to address.
His remarks expanded the conference discussion by showing how political repression and a lack of accountability can damage a country’s social, economic and environmental future.
Professor Alfred de Zayas: International Law and Accountability for Past Crimes
Professor Alfred de Zayas, former UN Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order, focused on international responsibility for serious human rights violations and the need to investigate historical crimes.
He referred to the extensive documentation he had collected concerning past abuses and discussions he had held with his successor, George Katrougalos.
De Zayas stressed that investigating the 1988 mass executions of political prisoners remains an important responsibility for international human rights mechanisms. Testimonies from survivors and existing documentation should form part of independent investigations into these events.
He also spoke against foreign military attacks on Iran. He emphasised that alleged violations of international humanitarian law and attacks against civilians must be investigated regardless of which party is responsible.
His central message was that justice and human rights protection must be based on the consistent application of international law. Efforts to end impunity should not depend on political interests or the identity of those accused of committing serious violations.
Why International Accountability Matters for Human Rights in Iran
The discussions in Geneva highlighted the importance of connecting public awareness with meaningful legal and political action. Concerns about executions, arbitrary detention, unfair trials, women’s rights and restrictions on civil society cannot be addressed through statements alone.
Independent investigations, reliable documentation, international cooperation and legal accountability are important steps towards protecting people facing persecution.
The history of the 1988 mass executions also demonstrates why accountability for past crimes matters. When serious violations remain uninvestigated, victims and their families are denied justice, while the risk of further abuses remains.
Human rights organisations play an important role in keeping these issues visible. Through its human rights work, Verein Welle raises awareness of fundamental freedoms, documents violations and supports people affected by oppression and persecution.
Supporting organisations that support human rights defenders can help sustain efforts to protect vulnerable people, defend political prisoners and bring attention to abuses that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Readers who want to contribute to these efforts can make a donation to support human rights initiatives and the protection of people facing serious violations.
The Geneva conference sent a clear message: protecting human rights in Iran requires more than international concern. It requires independent investigations, legal accountability and sustained action against executions and political repression.
English 
German 
French